Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney believes that the English Premier League title race will come down to Chelsea FC, Manchester City, and Manchester United. I’m sure the majority of people who follow the English Premier League would tend to agree with Rooney’s assessment. That being said, here is exactly what Rooney told The Sun:
“I think it will be the most open and exciting title race for years and the top three will be United, Man City and Chelsea. I definitely think it will be between the three of us.
“Liverpool have spent a lot of money and they’ll be pushing for the top four at least. Arsenal have struggled but have now brought in some new players and they’re normally very consistent – and Spurs can go well again.
“But I’m backing United obviously and after that it doesn’t matter who finishes where.”
Rooney Backs Chelsea for Title Contention
England international Wayne Rooney has rightfully backed Chelsea as legitimate Premier League title contenders in 2011-12. The Blues improved their already strong side by doing some of the best business in England this summer. Andre Villas-Boas brought in Portuguese star Raul Meireles and the talented Spanish winger Juan Mata, who was reportedly a transfer target of Spurs and Arsenal. Mata has already looked the part for Chelsea, who haven’t played tremendous, but are right behind United and City in the Premier League table.
Rooney said of Chelsea, “They’ve been challenging us hard for the title for the past eight years now and won it three times and I’m sure they’ll be challenging again this season. When you have a spine of Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, John Terry and Petr Cech that’s something special. They’re all winners so you just build the side around them.”
City Doing Their Part
United’s noisy neighbours have looked extremely good in the early going this season. Strikers Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko have bagged six goals apiece and are second only to Rooney’s eight.
City’s positive start hasn’t gone unnoticed by Rooney, who told The Sun:
“Yes, City have spent a lot of money and signed a lot of great players. I have watched them and they are playing well.
“So we know it is going to be a difficult season. But we’re not scared. We’ll just keep doing what we do best – try and win games and make sure we’re in a good position for the last few months of the season and take it on from there.”
Arsenal Left Out?
One club he did not list as potential title contenders was Arsenal, and rightfully so. The Gunners woeful defending saw them concede four goals earlier today at Ewood Park versus Blackburn Rovers. Four! Of the four goals, two of the goals Arsenal conceded were own goals. Their defending can simply be described as woeful, pathetic, and lackluster. After losing 4-3 at Blackburn, Arsenal secured their worst run in away form in 20 years.
How much longer can the Gunners trust Arsene Wenger? For one thing, Wenger was not really given enough money to rebuild a midfield that saw Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri depart to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively. Surely Arsene’s new signings must be given time to adjust to life at the Emirates, but it’s not looking good at the moment. Sadly enough, the Gunners seem more likely to be relegated to the Championship than to finish in the top four in the Premier League this season.
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